AN artistic roller skater from Ely is set to take on some of Europe s finest skaters after being picked to represent Britain at an upcoming championship. Having had a triumphant year on the domestic skating scene that was crowned with two gold medals, 2

AN artistic roller skater from Ely is set to take on some of Europe's finest skaters after being picked to represent Britain at an upcoming championship.

Having had a triumphant year on the domestic skating scene that was crowned with two gold medals, 26 year-old Helen Grey has set her sights on some of the continent's best at the European Championships in Portugal.

Taking place in September, the championships will bring together more than 100 of Europe's brightest skating talent, many of whom are able to dedicate themselves to the sport on full-time. Helen by contrast, has to juggle her training with a full time job.

The gulf in resource has not fazed her though, and she is hoping her 15 years of experience in the sport will help her to secure a good finish, "The sport is huge in countries like Italy where dedicated teams are able to train 40 hours a week, but I will be doing my best to try and secure a top 10 finish and hopefully a spot at the World Championships in November, said Helen.

"These will be my third Europeans and I have learnt something from each one so I'm hoping that I am able to bring a lot of that experience with me to these next championships."

Helen will also be hoping to carry forward the sort of form that has seen her collect two gold medals this season, with wins in the British Open and National Silver Event making for a superlative campaign,

"I was really pleased with how my season went and now that it is finished I will be able to fully focus on the upcoming euros and hopefully, if I meet the national selectors standard, the World Championships as well.